EVALUATION OF VETERANS INVOLVED IN PROJECT SHAD TESTS --

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AUTUMN GOLD, COPPER HEAD, SHADY GROVE AND OTHERS FOR

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POSSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH EXPOSURES

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

2002

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Background

a. Project SHAD was conducted by DOD during the 1960s to determine the effectiveness of

shipboard detection of chemical and biological warfare agents, the protective measures taken

against chemical and biological warfare agents, and to determine the potential risk to American

forces posed by these agents. Although the exact number of Project SHAD tests is unknown at this

time, DOD has declassified and released information on three of the tests: Autumn Gold, Copper

Head, and Shady Grove. DOD is currently researching suspected Project SHAD tests referred to

as Eager Belle, Flower Drum, Night Train, Big Tom, Fearless Johnny, Half Note, Purple Sage, Red

Beva, Scarlet Sage, 68-50, 69-31 and 69-32. In addition to veteran inquiries regarding Project

SHAD, members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and the broadcast news media have

maintained a steady level of interest in Project SHAD testing.

b. The tests were originally classified and much of the information concerning the tests will remain

classified. However, DOD is collecting and reviewing documentation for each test to identify and

declassify the relevant information needed for medical evaluation. Information is still limited, but

we do know the following substances were used as part of the testing program:

(1) Coxiella burnetii (OU);

(2) Pasteurella tularensis (since renamed Francisella tularensis) (UL);

(3) Biological Warfare Agent Simulants: Bacillus globigii (BG), (since renamed B.licheniformis), E.

coli, and Serratia marcscens;

(4) Chemical Warfare Agents: GB (sarin) and VX;

(5) Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants: Methylacetoacetate and sulfur dioxide;

(6) Tracer Material: zinc cadmium sulfide (ZnCdS); and

(7) Various Chemical Decontaminants: Beta-propiolactone, ethyl alcohol, LysolTM, peracetic acid,

potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite.

c. Information regarding some of the most hazardous of these selected substances is provided in

the Attachment A, Fact Sheet. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to work with

DOD to obtain information on all of the substances utilized.

d. Project SHAD involved service members from the Navy and Marine Corps and may have

involved a small number of personnel from the Army and Air Force. Test reports, prepared at the

conclusion of each test, indicate all personnel who participated in each test were required to use the

protective measures deemed appropriate at the time.

e. Ships involved in Autumn Gold, Copper Head and Shady Grove included USS Carpenter DD-825,

USS George Eastman AG-39, USS Granville S. Hall YAG-40, USS Hoel DDG-13, USS Navarro

LPA-215, USS Power DD-839, and USS Tioga County LST-158. In addition to ships, five Army light

tugs (LT) manned by Navy personnel identified as LT-2080, LT- 2081, LT-2085, LT-2086 and LT-

2087, were used.

f. For the Autumn Gold, Copper Head, and Shady Grove tests, DOD has compiled crew lists and

unit rosters for the ships, LTs, and flight units involved. As DOD continues its research into the

remaining tests, it will declassify and provide information on: test names and/or numerical

designations, involved units, vessels, locations, dates, and substances used. DOD will research

individual cases, as needed, if a veteran does not have documentation substantiating assignment

to a participating unit or vessel during the relevant time period.